In case you missed it, the Cincinnati Reds have called up their top prospect, Elly De La Cruz. Hopefully, you were ahead of the game from reading Taylor Tarter’s most recent fantasy baseball waiver wire recommendations.
De La Cruz emerged as a force from the Dominican Republic, captivating the baseball world with his exceptional skills. Despite being a late bloomer in the signing period, De La Cruz has proven to be an unstoppable talent. His abilities soared during the COVID-19 hiatus, leaving scouts astounded by his remarkable prowess. With lightning-fast bat speed from both sides of the plate, he swiftly climbed the prospect ranks, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring videos all over Twitter in his wake.
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Elly De La Cruz’s Ascent to MLB
Elly De La Cruz’s breakout 2022 season catapulted him to the pinnacle of the Midwest League prospect rankings. His outstanding performance solidified his position as one of baseball’s very top prospects.
De La Cruz’s offensive talents are unmatched by anyone in the minor leagues. His batted ball data is nothing short of mind-blowing, with exit velocities that rival the game’s biggest sluggers. At just 21 years old, his potential for growth and refinement is truly terrifying for opposing pitchers.
He also possesses 70-grade speed, a remarkable attribute that complements his top-end power and top-end arm. This combination of speed and instincts makes him a genuine stolen base threat every time he reaches base. His lightning-fast legs allow him to take advantage of opportunities on the basepaths, adding an additional dimension to his already impressive skill set.
Despite initial worries about his plate discipline and tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone, especially when confronted with breaking balls, the young prodigy has made substantial strides in 2023. He has exhibited a more composed and controlled approach, resulting in a notable decrease in his chase rate. This positive adjustment has directly contributed to a lower strikeout rate, while his walk rate remains impressively above average. De La Cruz’s offensive game is undeniably ascending to unparalleled heights, solidifying his status as a top prospect in all of baseball.
Elly De La Cruz has silenced skeptics with remarkable defensive improvement, dispelling initial doubts about his future as a shortstop. With one of the most formidable infield arms in the minor leagues, he solidified his position in AAA and is primed for success as a shortstop in the long term. Furthermore, his versatility has been showcased as he effectively handles third base as well, potentially leading to increased playing time at the hot corner in 2023. Notably, De La Cruz has demonstrated his capabilities at both positions during his time in AAA this year.
For fantasy owners, Elly De La Cruz is an absolute must-have. There’s a reason many analysts consider him to be baseball’s top prospect. While he may exhibit some swing-and-miss tendencies, his power, speed, and the favorable hitting conditions of his home ballpark position him to make a significant impact in fantasy baseball. Waste no time and secure him for your roster while you still have the chance.